On this day seven years ago in 2018, local people from across our borough came together to unveil the stunning Annie Kenney memorial statue in Parliament Square.
Whatever else I’ve been part of in Oldham’s political and community life over the past two decades, I have to say this is what I enjoy most: grassroots community action, bringing people together.
Oldhamers stood proud together to celebrate someone who made a real difference not just to our community but to the who country by standing up for what she believed in.
That day coming together in the brilliant way that it did was the result of two solid years of fundraising, business events, sessions in schools, and the hundreds of hours spent by the amazing artist Denise Dutton, who I’d previously worked with on the statue in Failsworth of Ben Brierley now 20 years ago.
The result of this effort was truly stunning, and acts as a focal point for our town today, with flowers often left at her feet, and tens of thousands passing by every year to ask; who is Annie Kenney? Being able to play a role in keeping that story alive was the real prize.
It’s good to reflect on what we achieve together, and how lots of small acts when brought together can make such a difference to place we all call home.
It was definitely one of the proudest & most inspiring moments I’ve ever been lucky enough to be part.
I hope you enjoy revisiting these images as much as I have. It was quite a day!
Jim McMahon OBE MP 